WhatsApp changed its terms of use and privacy policy in January. Consumers were originally supposed to agree to these by 8^th February to avoid their account being blocked. The changes in the terms of use allow WhatsApp, which belongs to Facebook, to exchange users' data with Facebook. However, the data may still not be used for personalised advertising purposes in European countries. The company has now postponed these changes until May 15. It is not yet clear whether accounts that do not agree to the new terms of use will continue to exist or whether they will be blocked.

From 1^st February, SWB buses and trams will be running at regular service again and following the term-time schedule. The increased amount of services should lead to fewer infections on public transport in the long term, as the number of passengers will be balanced out.

More time is available for completing tax returns for 2019 - if consumers have hired a tax advisor. On 28^th January, the Bundestag decided to extend the submission deadline by six months. The tax return is now due by the end of July 2021 at the latest. However, this only applies if using a tax advisor. The law is intended to relieve the burden on law firms. Anyone who is obliged to file a tax return and has not engaged a tax advisor, has missed the deadline of 31^st July 2020 for filing the 2019 tax return. The voluntary tax return for 2019 can be submitted until 2^nd January 2024.

Stricter security checks for online credit card payments should have come into force in January, however the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) granted a further delay. Since 15^th January, therefore, credit card payments of 250 euros or more can only be made using double authentication. This rule will be tightened in the coming month. From 15^th February, "two-factor authentication" will be required for amounts of 150 euros or more.

From 1^st February, new thresholds apply to nursing staff in hospital sections requiring more care. This is intended to ensure that patients receive the best treatment. A limit of ten patients per nurse/carer will be allowed in some cases for the following departments: internal medicine, paediatrics, general surgery and paediatric intensive care.

The NRW state government and carnival associations decided in September to forego major carnival events and parades. In connection with this, the city of Bonn has announced that the opening hours of its administrative offices will not be changed during carnival. This means that the offices will be open as normal on these days.

The annual toll-road stickers or vignettes for Austria, Switzerland and Slovenia are only valid until the end of January. From 1^st February, consumers need to buy a new vignette, which will then be valid for 2021. The sticker must be clearly visible on the windscreen, otherwise drivers could face a fine.

(Original text: ga, Translation: Caroline Kusch)